Limestone County and much of the surrounding area are at an enhanced risk of severe weather this evening and into Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Huntsville.

These storms will be capable of producing damaging winds and large hail.

A tornado threat also exists, though the NWS website showed Friday morning the risk is low.

“It’s really hard to say because it depends on timing, what happens this afternoon, how things transpire,” said Lauren Nash, NWS meteorologist. “It is possible. We want people to stay aware.”

Nash said the biggest threat is that it will happen late in the evening or overnight when people are out eating dinner out, driving home from work or even asleep in bed.

“If you have plans tonight, have backup plans,” Nash said. “Know where your shelter is, but mostly just pay attention. Know where to go and what to do if a warning is issued.”

Some events, like Singing on the Square, have already been moved indoors to accommodate the threat of severe weather. Originally scheduled for the east side of the Courthouse Square in Athens, the event will now be held at the Vietnam Veterans building on West Elm Street, according to their Facebook page.

Another Athens events, Fridays After Five, has been cancelled.

Nash suggested making sure a weather radio or charged cellphone is nearby at bedtime. If a weather radio is unavailable, people need to make sure they have a way to get weather warnings that will wake them up in the night if there is an issue, Nash said.

“Weather radio is going to wake you up the most,” Nash said. “Some people’s cellphone might wake them.”

Nash explained the enhanced risk, even with severe storms and no tornadoes, means winds of 58 mph or greater and hail quarter-sized or larger are possible.

“Eighty to 90 mph winds are possible outside of tornadoes as well,” Nash said.